power steering fluid 1996 Q

[sandydennis11]

So have been here before, but awhile back.
'96 Q with all maintenance up to snuff. 153,000 miles bought new. Serviced at infiniti until the lieing started.
Infiniti Stealership told me 3 years ago steering rack leaking advised new rack etc. My local service guy said nope, not leaking, but I kept and eye on level.
Recently serviced, my guy says it's leaking a bit, so let's keep an eye on it. Level has never changed. BUT checked yesterday and fluid is a murky yellow in color, level has no change.
Is it time to 'get the job' done and replace? Also keeping a look out for trans issue, so far none. Is this the start of major issues.
Under plenum totally replaced last year including knock sensors. New crossmember/struts.
This is a city car here in San Francisco. Lexus LS430 '06 is the freeway car.
Any thoughts on using BG for total trans fluid change at this stage of age?
Alexander

[qship96]

For a NON DIY type owner, get PS and transmission fluid exchanged using the machine- for a hands on type, both can be done in your driveway- transmission doing multiple drain/fills, PS sucked out of resiv. with turkey baster and refilled 1x a day for a week or so{assuming you drive car daily}

[sandydennis11]

So how much is in that resiv? Does look like much. So repeat everyday for a week should get most out/replaced?

[qship96]

entire system holds 40 oz, about 8 are held in resiv. so each suck and fill removes 8/40 or 20%, do this 7-8 times and you effectively replaced 90+ % of it.

[Infinitiguy19]

What if we place a tube down the return and input line to get even more out? I use a fluid transfer pump I got at Walmart (also available at Harbor Freight). And I used that before to get the fluid out before installing a Magnefine filter.

[qship96]

I guess that would be ok, I would make sure you do not end up with an air bubble, which creates even more work though. Seems simple {2 minutes} to just do the daily drain/fill daily for a week or so- then once it is clean, either do it 1x every oil change, or 4-5 times{ using 1 quart atf} annually- that is what I have done to mine, and at 276,000 miles original rack and pump still operating as new......not bad for a $8 annual investment!

[OwnerCS]

The Pela 6000 pump has a long stiff tube that you can easily slide down the dipstick tube. Fluid can be extracted from the bottom of the pan. I also use the pump to change the power steering fluid, brake fluid, and to extract coolant from the radiator without removing a hose or opening a drain valve.

Here's a picture of the pump below.

[BadQ45t]

Sounds like your in the Bay Area and your private mechanic doesn't have the machine that they use to completely flush out systems. If you want Richard's Auto Repair in San Bruno (right near SFO) has this machine and has been doing my Q for many years now. Great guys and excellent service too. You know when you have to give them 15 quarts for your transmission flush and they give none back that they are for sure able to dump everything. He can use this machine for a full flush of the PS, Brakes, etc too. My advise is get 100% fresh fluid in the power sterring unit, use some high quality power steering stop leak stuff and hope for the best. I personally think at 153k it is way too early for a replacement of the rack. I used that stop leak stuff for many years in my 300ZX to put off the rack replacement. It worked for 10 years before i was finally in for the new rack.

[sandydennis11]

Thanks...I'll give them a call now. I sucked out some of the fluid today/ twice/and replaced but feel the need for a professional job to keep this rack going. The fluid is a really murky yellow. I have '06 Lexus Ls430 with 60k should do the same. Lexus sevice in SF and Santa Clara suck.
Alexander